Varsity Profile: Winter Springs senior has one of highest batting averages in school history

On an outstanding baseball team, one Winter Springs senior is leading the way with one of the highest batting averages in school history.

Catcher Chris Breen is a major reason for the success of the Winter Springs Bears (17-1) because of his .492 batting average.

Coach Jeff Perez, who has been at the school since the 1999-2000 season, has been impressed with Breen's batting statistics.

"It's pretty high," Perez said. "We haven't had anyone hit that high at Winter Springs since I've been here."

Aside from the stout batting average, Breen has also accumulated a team-high 29 RBIs. Breen believes he is having such a dominant season at the plate because there aren't many holes in his game.

"I just like to do a little bit of everything, just not really have too many major weaknesses," he said. "I just keep a nice, well-rounded approach at the plate."

Perez thinks that Breen is such a dangerous hitter because of his numerous abilities.

"He's a unique type of hitter because he has power game, but he also can come through with a clutch, base-hit line drive when we need him as well," he said. "He's not only a fastball hitter. I can see him hit curveballs as well and any type of off-speed."

A former two-sport athlete, Breen attributes his great numbers to having more time to focus on baseball this year.

"I didn't play football this past offseason so I spent the whole fall just working on baseball," he said. "Hitting, lifting, running, just working a little harder at everything."

In addition to Breen's hitting achievements, which include three home runs, he is also making contributions to the team in other ways.

Behind the plate, Breen has an impact on the pitching as well. While pitches are called in by the coaches, Breen has the liberty of changing the pitch if he sees the situation differently, Perez said.

"We give him that freedom and that leeway," he said. "He's deserved it and earned it, earned our respect in that manner...that has really helped our pitching staff."

Winter Springs' ace pitcher, senior Jon Sandfort, says the relationship with his catcher has certainly enhanced his performance this season.

"Me and Breen go back to when we were 8 years old," he said. "He knows how I like to pitch. He's definitely a key to why I'm being successful this year."

On the field, Breen is a vocal leader because his position requires him to be. Off the field, Breen prefers leading with his actions.

"I keep my mouth shut and do what I do, but when something needs to be said then I'll say something," Breen said. "I like to lead more by example than running my mouth."

Even though Breen's ability to get hits is a great attribute for this team, the players feel that hitting isn't the most important thing he does.

"He's been striking the ball well, but he's also a leader as the main thing. We think of him more as our captain of this team," Sandfort said.

For Winter Springs' players and coaches, there is no doubt that Breen is a key part of their success. His growth as a ballplayer and a person is evident to Perez.

"He's matured a lot over the past four years," he said. "Just seeing him progress to where he's at now, he's really matured quite a bit and it's showing on the field."

As a reward for his four years of hard work at Winter Springs, Breen will move on to play at Seminole State College next year. The change of scenery will have little effect on his approach, however.

"I hope to just take the summer, working into the fall, and hopefully I can compete for a starting spot in the spring just the same as anybody else," Breen said.

As reflected in his high batting average, Breen has become a star player at the high school level. With the physique he has, Breen just needs to keep working on his game in order to be successful in college, Perez said.

"He's got a college body right now," he said. "If he continues to mature, continues to be open-minded and continues to be a student of the game, I think he'll translate really well to the next level."